Logo of Brain Injury Center - Giving Hope a Helping Hand Skip to Main Content Skip to Sitemap
  • |
  • 805.482.1312
  • Email Us
  • Find Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Calendar
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Donate
Click to toggle open/close accessibility features.

Accessibility Panel

  • Increase Text Size
  • Decrease Text Size
  • Default Text Size
  • High-Contrast View

The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Homelessness, and Traumatic Brain Injury by Charles Watson


Posted on August 11, 2022

Research shows that the most common risk factors for homelessness include:

  • History of institutional care and foster group, 
  • Childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse,
  • Neglect in childhood,
  • Substance abuse in the family of origin
  • Homelessness in the family of origin
  • Frequent use of inpatient psychiatric and medical services
  • Low levels of education,
  • High use of medical services and inpatient psychiatric  
  • Low levels of education,
  • Substance abuse,
  • Mental illness.

Many of these risk aspects have their origins in childhood and teenage years and seem to be the reason for the development of major difficulties later in life. Although these risk factors are well-known, one of the most common sequelae of these experiences — traumatic brain injury — often goes unnoticed among homeless persons.

How Does TBI Occur in vagrant people?

After performing over 3,000 complete psychiatric assessments of persons experiencing homelessness, most of whom had spent the past year or more in a shelter, on the street, drop-in center, or other transitional settings, a prominent commonality became evident. At least half of the patients suffered from blows to the head sustained due to severe childhood physical abuse, childhood motor vehicle accidents, or accidents and falls while playing sports. 

Most of the persons that reported blows to the head also suffered from difficulties with memory, attention, and impulse control, often with associated placement in special education classes, either for academic failure or behavioral difficulties. Only a few reported  finished high school, and those who joined the military were unable to finish their initial tour of duty due to behavioral and cognitive problems

These individuals usually reported that the injuries they suffered as children as well as their neuropsychological sequelae frequently went untreated and unreported as a result of abusive parents trying to conceal their injuries as well as the underprivileged conditions in which they were raised, with no access to inexpensive medical care or health insurance coverage.

Homelessness is comorbid with all these conditions: psychiatric symptomatology, substance abuse and school failure or placement in special education, and captivity. Yet no protocol is followed to routinely screen those facing homelessness for traumatic brain injury (TBI) or its neuro-psychological sequelae.

At present, the impact of TBI and cognitive dysfunction on the cost of homelessness has not been calculated since the research that would bring those costs to light has yet to be undertaken. In many cities, homeless persons live on the streets, in hospital shelter, detox centers, and jails in a cyclical fashion at great cost to society and themselves.

In terms of medical care, homeless persons are likely to use the most expensive interventions: emergency settings, detoxification facilities, and psychiatric units. On average, studies report that homeless persons spend four more days in hospital each year than nonhomeless people.

Studies show that homeless persons also spend a disproportionate amount of time in jail and prison. The study estimated that approx. 90% of these costs comprise medical care for this vulnerable population. Additionally, homeless lodgings cost far more on average than permanent housing.

One reason for the frequent use of high-cost medical services by homeless persons may be the ease of admission. In many cities in the U.S, for example, hospital emergency departments cannot decline uninsured persons' medical care. At the same time, in an outpatient setting, those who are unable to pay will not be seen.

Identification of cognitive dysfunction in homeless persons can increase their ability to obtain SSI/SSD disability claims, which assures stable health insurance in the form of Medicaid and/or Medicare. It may also limit inappropriate emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. 

Blog Archive:


  • A System That Is TBI Optimized Posted on December 22, 2022
  • Development and Integration of Medicine-Engineering in TBI Rehabilitation-2 Posted on December 18, 2022
  • Application of Medicine-Engineering in the Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury-3 Posted on December 15, 2022
  • Engineering-Medicine Integration Development and Use in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Posted on December 10, 2022
  • Biofluid Biomarkers Posted on December 3, 2022
  • Biomarker Development for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Monitoring of Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on November 28, 2022
  • Utilizing Engineering and Medicine to Rehabilitate Traumatic Brain Injury-3 Posted on November 19, 2022
  • AI Enabled Device Shows Promise for Monitoring Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on November 14, 2022
  • Rehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury: Application of Medicine-Engineering Integration Posted on November 11, 2022
  • Concentrating on ‘Golden Hours’ of Care to Improve TBI Outcomes Posted on November 7, 2022
  • Harnessing the Immune System to Treat TBI Posted on October 29, 2022
  • A New Approach to Traumatic Brain Injuries Could Revolutionize Diagnosis and Treatment Posted on October 20, 2022
  • Researchers Discover a Neuroprotective Treatment for Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on October 12, 2022
  • Surprising Culprit Worsens Stroke, TBI Damage Posted on October 1, 2022
  • Understanding TBI in Women Posted on September 17, 2022
  • Wearable Neck Sensors May Help Predict the Risk Of Concussion In High-Impact Sports Posted on September 9, 2022
  • Aged Care, Homelessness, and Brain Injury Posted on August 26, 2022
  • Brain Injury, Homelessness & Mental Health Posted on August 22, 2022
  • Experience the Power of Immersive Healthcare in TBI Rehabilitation Posted on August 20, 2022
  • Delightful and Engaging Way of Rehabilitation Posted on August 17, 2022
  • The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Homelessness, and Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on August 11, 2022
  • Suicide Risk in Homeless Veterans With TBI Posted on August 9, 2022
  • Yoga and Tai-Chi for TBI and Stroke Patients Posted on August 6, 2022
  • Traumatic Brain Injury in Homeless People Is Underappreciated Posted on July 31, 2022
  • Autoimmune Reactions After Brain Injury Posted on July 26, 2022
  • Brain Injury and B12 Deficiency Posted on July 22, 2022
  • Brain Injury and Gut Health: What is the Connection? Posted on July 14, 2022
  • Breakthrough Tool for TBI Testing Posted on July 2, 2022
  • Improving Emotional Problems After Brain Injury Posted on June 28, 2022
  • Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation Posted on June 15, 2022
  • Pituitary Dysfunction After Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on June 6, 2022
  • Understanding PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on May 30, 2022
  • Benefits of PTSD Support Groups for TBI Survivors Posted on May 25, 2022
  • 5 Ways Support Groups Aid TBI Survivors With Recovery Posted on May 21, 2022
  • Biofeedback and Concussions Posted on May 16, 2022
  • Cutting Edge Treatments For Traumatic Brain Injuries Posted on May 11, 2022
  • Effectiveness of Robotic Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Posted on May 10, 2022
  • National Support Groups Posted on May 2, 2022
  • Understanding the Kinds of Surgery for Head Injury Posted on April 29, 2022
  • Research Into Pioneering Treatment Ideas for Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on April 25, 2022
  • Current Developments in Brain Injury and Low Vision Rehabilitation Posted on April 21, 2022
  • How Older Caregivers Secure the Future for Reliant Adult Children Posted on April 18, 2022
  • What to Do When The Patient Wants Palliative Care Posted on April 6, 2022
  • Incontinence After Brain Injury Posted on April 2, 2022
  • Caregiving Tips for handling Incontinence After Brain Injury Posted on March 26, 2022
  • Biosensors Can Help Detect The Impact Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on March 18, 2022
  • Caregivers Today Posted on March 10, 2022
  • Latest Technology To Improve Motor And Cognitive Skills In TBI Patients Posted on February 22, 2022
  • Ability to Adapt After Injury Care Posted on February 9, 2022
  • Aging Family Responsibilities & Vacation Planning Posted on February 8, 2022
  • How Can CBD Oil Help with Traumatic Brain Injury? Posted on February 6, 2022
  • How are the Eyes and Visual System Affected by a Brain Injury? Posted on February 4, 2022
  • Cannabinoids for TBI, CTE, and Stroke Posted on February 3, 2022
  • Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters Posted on February 1, 2022
  • Family Caregiving and Your Marriage Posted on January 31, 2022
  • Hiring a Home Health Help Before an Emergency Posted on January 30, 2022
  • Home Care Aids Patient Recovery and Reduces Hospital Re-Admissions Posted on January 29, 2022
  • Identifying Head Injury Symptoms Posted on January 26, 2022
  • Know Your Caregiver Risks Posted on January 24, 2022
  • Alone & Cold: Loneliness in Elderly Is Dangerous to Their Health Posted on January 23, 2022
  • Managing Swallowing Problems in TBI Patients Posted on January 22, 2022
  • Are Older TBI Patients at Risk in the Hospital? Posted on January 20, 2022
  • Precautions and First Aid Measures for Head Injury Posted on January 19, 2022
  • Preparing For Caregiving Burnout Posted on January 18, 2022
  • Natural Methods to Heal Post-Concussion Syndrome – Part 2 Posted on January 17, 2022
  • Natural Methods to Heal Post-Concussion Syndrome – Part 1 Posted on January 15, 2022
  • Prevention and Emergency Treatment of TBI Posted on January 14, 2022
  • Primary Head Injury Posted on January 12, 2022
  • Safety Measures to Be Taken to Avoid a Head Injury Posted on January 11, 2022
  • Six Things to Know About Caregiving Posted on January 10, 2022
  • Ten Topics to Discuss With a New Caregiver Posted on January 9, 2022
  • The Line Between Guilt and Resentment: Why Is It So Hard to Be a Caregiver? Posted on January 7, 2022
  • Types and Severity of TBI Posted on January 4, 2022
  • Ways To Reduce Brain Swelling Naturally Posted on January 3, 2022
  • Caregiving Quiz Posted on January 2, 2022
  • Traumatic Brain Injury Quiz Posted on January 1, 2022
  • Caregiver Factsheet Posted on December 30, 2021
  • Vegetative and Minimal Conscious State After Severe Brain Injury Posted on December 28, 2021
  • Stroke-Acquired Brain Injury Posted on December 13, 2021
  • Taking Care of a Child with TBI Posted on December 4, 2021
  • Caring for Patients in Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States Posted on November 29, 2021
  • Pediatric Traumatic Brain injury Posted on November 23, 2021
  • Interventions for Caregivers as Providers Posted on November 19, 2021
  • Long Term Effects of COVID-19 on Brain Injury Victims Posted on November 7, 2021
  • Myths Debunked About the COVID Vaccine Posted on October 11, 2021
  • Providing Care for Family Caregivers’ Support Posted on October 3, 2021
  • TBI & COVID: A Lethal Combination Posted on September 21, 2021
  • Basic Financial Caregiving Posted on September 9, 2021
  • Handling Caregiving Responsibilities Without "Bullying" Posted on August 25, 2021
  • Will The COVID-19 Vaccine Void My Life Insurance? Posted on August 19, 2021
  • Amazing Gifts for Brain Injured Patients to Speed Up Recovery Posted on July 29, 2021
  • Caregiving – A Rewarding Experience Posted on July 26, 2021
  • Caregiving During the Coronavirus Pandemic Posted on July 22, 2021
  • Choosing the Right Assistive Technology for Children Posted on July 18, 2021
  • Modifications for Assistive Devices and Technology Around the House Posted on July 12, 2021
  • Technologies for Brain Injury Treatment Posted on July 11, 2021
  • What Difficulties Are People with TBI Going Through in COVID Posted on July 5, 2021
  • Adaptive Equipment For Physical Deficits After TBI Posted on June 29, 2021
  • Assistive Technologies For Cognitive Difficulties Posted on June 22, 2021
  • Emergency Preparedness for Power Outages for Caregivers of TBI Posted on June 21, 2021
  • Making Arrangements for Power Burnouts What Should a Caregiver Do Posted on June 14, 2021
  • Power Brown Outs- A Threat For People With TBI Posted on June 12, 2021
  • US Power Outages Leave People with Disabilities Vulnerable Posted on June 9, 2021
  • Acquired Brain Injury: TBI Vs. Non-TBI Posted on June 1, 2021
  • Brain Stroke Posted on May 23, 2021
  • Caregiving for patients with ABI Posted on May 15, 2021
  • Caregiving responsibilities Posted on May 11, 2021
  • Diagnosis and Treatment for Stroke Posted on May 1, 2021
  • How TBI Can Affect Teens and Adolescents Posted on April 30, 2021
  • How TBI Takes a Toll on Couples in a Relationship Posted on April 18, 2021
  • How to Take Care of Your Life Partner with TBI Posted on April 12, 2021
  • Modifying your home for caregiving of stroke patients Posted on April 6, 2021
  • Parenting after Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on April 3, 2021
  • Recovery For Stroke Survivors-Caregiving Tips Posted on March 26, 2021
  • TBI in Infants Posted on March 18, 2021
  • Treatment Techniques for Infants with TBI Posted on March 12, 2021
  • Treatment Considerations for TBI and Suicide Posted on March 1, 2021
  • Why Do You Feel Depressed After a TBI? Posted on February 22, 2021
  • How Anxiety Affects You After a Brain Injury Posted on January 24, 2021
  • Is There a Connection Between Risk of Suicide and Brain Injury? Posted on January 21, 2021
  • Brain Injury and Behavioral Issues: How to Get Back In Control Posted on January 15, 2021
  • TBI: Social Behavior and Problems with Communication Posted on January 12, 2021
  • Behavioral Problems in Children After TBI Posted on January 9, 2021
  • Fact Sheet: Changes in Behavior After a Brain Injury Posted on January 7, 2021
  • Getting Through the Holidays After TBI Posted on January 2, 2021
  • Why a TBI Patient Suffers From a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Posted on December 29, 2020
  • Coping With Stress: A Simple Set of Strategies and Skills Posted on December 22, 2020
  • Tips to Survive the Holiday Season Posted on December 12, 2020
  • TBI: An Injury That Changes You Forever Posted on August 27, 2020
  • Adjustment to Brain Injury Posted on August 16, 2020
  • Emotional and Behavioral Changes Following Brain Injury Posted on August 7, 2020
  • Adjusting to Life After Brain Injury Posted on July 22, 2020
  • Learning and Growing with TBI Posted on July 18, 2020
  • Coping with Memory Problems After TBI: Practical Strategies - 1 Posted on July 14, 2020
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation After TBI Posted on July 8, 2020
  • How TBI Affects Cognition Posted on June 24, 2020
  • Techniques and Strategies to Make the Most of Existing Memory After TBI Posted on June 19, 2020
  • Emotional Impact of TBI on Caregivers Posted on June 10, 2020
  • Frustration After TBI Posted on June 6, 2020
  • TBI: How Emotions and Behaviors Change? Posted on June 3, 2020
  • What Triggers Frustration After a Brain injury Posted on May 30, 2020
  • Physical Activity and Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on May 27, 2020
  • Nutritional Needs after TBI Posted on May 14, 2020
  • Nutritional Therapy & Supplementation Following Traumatic Brain Injury Posted on May 5, 2020
  • COVID-19: Stay Safe Posted on April 13, 2020
  • How To Keep In Touch Yet Keep Social Distance Posted on April 7, 2020
  • When to See a Doctor Posted on April 5, 2020
  • Doctors That Treat Traumatic Brain Injuries Posted on April 2, 2020
  • Medications for TBI Victims Posted on March 30, 2020
  • Pharmacological Therapies For The Neurobehavioral Sequelae Of TBI Posted on March 27, 2020
  • Top 6 Best Foods and Diet for Brain Health Posted on March 22, 2020
  • Top 7 Best Games and Activities for Brain Health Posted on March 21, 2020
  • Ways to Make a Marriage Work after a Traumatic Brain Injury? Posted on March 16, 2020
  • How to Improve Cognitive Functioning After a Traumatic Brain Injury? Posted on March 14, 2020
  • How Building Positive Relationships Aid Brain Injury Recovery? Posted on March 3, 2020
  • Recovering After a Stroke – The Ultimate Guide Posted on February 29, 2020
  • Effective Ways to Treat a Concussion without Resting Posted on February 26, 2020
  • Treatment Approaches for Communication in Brain Injury Victims Posted on February 20, 2020
  • Positively Managing Behavior Concerns After a Brain Injury Posted on February 13, 2020
  • How Relationships Are Affected After a Brain Injury Posted on February 4, 2020
  • The Role of Love in the Life of a TBI Victim Posted on February 1, 2020
  • Fighting Negativity After a Brain Injury Posted on January 24, 2020
  • SMART Goal Setting  Posted on January 20, 2020
  • Positive Psychology Helps Brain Survivors Posted on January 14, 2020
  • Goal Setting After a Brain Injury Posted on January 12, 2020
  • Positivity After a Brain Injury Posted on January 8, 2020
  • Coping Up with Post Traumatic Stress Posted on January 2, 2020
  • Causes of Stress after TBI or ABI Posted on December 28, 2019
  • Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season with a Brain Injury Posted on December 21, 2019
  • FAQ’s on Brain Injuries Posted on December 12, 2019
  • Journey in the Life of Brain Injury Victims Posted on November 30, 2019
  • Depression After TBI or ABI Posted on November 18, 2019
  • Brain Injury Survivors and Stress Posted on November 17, 2019

Thank you!

Thank you to all of our sponsors… we could not make it without you!

Pacific Coast Brain & Spine Associates • Channel Islands Family Practice & Urgent Care • Bill & Elise Kearney • Bernard Novatt • Robert & Laurel Householder • Thomas Duncan & Jacquelyn Ruffin • Gold Coast Health Plan • Dotti Oliver • Community Memorial Health System • Elizabeth Bleier & Don Nickerson • Jeff Nicholl Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, Inc • Linda Wells • Tom & Sue Tatangelo • Robert & June Severson • Ann Lozinski • David Krier • Rosewood Dental Group • Michael Case & Maribeth Butler • Lyskin Financials • Frank Bellinghiere • Mechanics Bank • Ventura County Credit Union • Centre for Neuro Skills • Donna & Fred Davies • Pacific Pain Management • Pacific Western Bank • Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP • Richard & Barbara Riley • The Becker Group • William Burke • Erin & John Benson • Gordon Heck & Ellie Dominguez • Mitchell Stankovic & Assoc • Employers Depot • Midge & Susan Stork • Michael McCarthy DDS • Above & Beyond Patient Care • St. John's Hospitals •

Special thanks to our Sustaining Foundation Partners…

Keith Family Fund

Smidt Family Foundation

Meadowlark Service League

Swift Memorial Healthcare Foundation

Livingston Memorial Foundation

Dignity Health

Sitemap

    About Us

  • What We Do
  • Our Mission
  • Become a Volunteer
  • Survivor Stories
  • Learn About Brain Injuries
  • Meet the Staff
  • Meet the Board
  • Jobs & Careers
  • Contact Us

    Services

  • Overview of Services
  • Care Transitions
  • Banner House
  • Support & Care Coordination
  • Support Groups
  • Social Opportunities
  • Training & Skill Development

    Calendar

  • All Calendar Events
  • Resources

  • Search for Resources
  • Blog

  • Brain Injury Center Blog

    Donate

  • Financial Donation
  • Evening of Magical Memories Tickets
  • EOMM Sponsorship
Logo of Brain Injury Center - Giving Hope a Helping Hand

805.482.1312 • info@braininjurycenter.org

  • Find Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Twitter

Mailing Address PO Box 1477
Camarillo, CA 93011

Location Address 3687 E. Las Posas #188, Building H
Camarillo, CA 93011
External link to open a new browser tab/window.

Phone Numbers (805) 482-1312
(805) 437-4787 Fax

Federal Tax ID #77-0491413

Jon Morato Creative Logo of Jon Morato Creative.

Website creation by Jon Morato Creative in Novato, CA.
www.JonMorato.com